Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center identified anoctamin 6 (ANO6) as a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, linking the protein to both tumor lipid acquisition and immune suppression. In preclinical work reported in Nature Cancer, the team described how ANO6 supports cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in transferring cholesterol and other lipids to pancreatic cancer cells through trogocytosis. The same microenvironment wiring contributes to immune suppression that helps tumors persist. By blocking ANO6, the researchers reported slower tumor growth in preclinical models alongside reductions in immune suppression. The study authors framed CAFs as active contributors to nutrient delivery rather than passive structural elements in the dense pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Co-senior authors included Igor Astsaturov, MD, PhD and Edna Cukierman, PhD, who said resolving how PDAC cells obtain membranous lipids such as cholesterol could open a new therapeutic strategy.